Sword of State's Stud Future Decided

Talented Group 1 winning juvenile Sword of State will join the iconic Cambridge Stud roster at the conclusion of his racing career.

Te Akau Principal David Ellis CNZM has confirmed that the exciting young son of Champion Sire Snitzel has been secured for future duties by Cambridge Stud, in partnership with his current ownership.  This arrangement continues the visionary plans that Cambridge Stud's Brendan Lindsay MNZM and Jo Lindsay have developed since purchasing the historic farm in 2017.

Owned by the Te Akau 2020 Four Colt Breeding Syndicate, Sword of State was purchased by David Ellis CNZM for A$600,000 at the Magic Millions' Gold Coast January Yearling Sale.  He is from a winning Encosta de Lago mare and, continuing the ‘Kiwi connection', was bred by Sir Owen Glenn.

The quality two year old has won four of his five starts in his first season - including a ‘one-horse affair' when winning the Group 1 Sistema Stakes at Ellerslie on Auckland Cup Day, blitzing his rivals by 3.5 lengths.  A month earlier he had put his rivals to the sword in the Group 3 Waikato Stud Slipper at Matamata where he never gave his opposition a look in with a 6.5 length victory.

Cambridge Stud CEO Henry Plumptre commented:

"The ease and times of Sword of State's wins in New Zealand saw him installed as one of the favourites for the Group 1 ATC Sires' Produce Stakes at Royal Randwick. He was second favourite behind Anamoe when he was unfortunately withdrawn due to the unfavourable soft tracks in Sydney.  He is the only Group 1 winning colt by Snitzel currently in training and he will be a terrific addition to Cambridge Stud and the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding ranks."

Te Akau's David Ellis CNZM added:

“Sword of State is a magnificent colt physically, with a superb temperament. It's so important to have quality horses like Sword of State for the New Zealand industry, colts that will perform at the highest level on the race track and then stand at stud.  I have been committed to this goal for over a decade and we are proud to already have Embellish, who I likewise purchased, standing at Cambridge Stud. Brendan and Jo Lindsay have been involved in the ownership of Sword of State from the time I purchased him.  Their commitment to this industry is massive - they continue to invest and innovate and the industry certainly benefits from their passion.

“We will focus on campaigning Sword of State in Australia in the new season and further enhancing the resume of this already valuable colt.  His future racing will see him carry the black and gold colours of Cambridge Stud just like his multiple Group 1 winning stablemate Probabeel."

Cambridge Stud's roster this coming season will be a formidable one: - Almanzor returns to New Zealand for the new season on the back of his first Northern Hemisphere runner being his first winner last week.  His yearlings have sold exceptionally well across Australasia and the demand for him has seen his book now closed.  Cambridge Stud's new stallion addition Hello Youmzain's book is also full - the multiple Group 1 winning sprinter in Europe from the Danehill sire line brings an exceptional pedigree with him to stand in New Zealand.